Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Tempe, Arizona
Compassionate, Evidence-Based Treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder & ARFID
Struggling with an eating disorder doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Tempe offers the structured support you need while allowing you to maintain work, school, and family commitments. With 12 weeks of evidence-based care, you’ll gain the tools to build lasting recovery.
Board-Certified Psychiatrists
Licensed Mental Health Therapists
Most Insurance Accepted
Virtual & In-Person Options
About Our Eating Disorder IOP in Tempe
At SMHWI, we understand that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions requiring specialized, compassionate care. Our Intensive Outpatient Program provides the structure and support needed for recovery without requiring you to step away from your daily life.
Our 12-week IOP is designed for adults ready to:
Develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies
Learn evidence-based coping skills for lasting recovery
Address underlying trauma, anxiety, or depression
Consistently practice recovery skills in real-world settings.
Build a supportive community with others who understand
Tempe IOP Program Details
Program Length
Schedule
9:00am – 12:30pm
Location
Age Range
Weekly Hours
Insurance
Is Eating Disorder IOP Right for You?
Our Intensive Outpatient Program is ideal if you:
Need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require 24/7 residential care
Are medically stable and cleared by a physician for outpatient treatment
Want to continue working or attending school while receiving treatment
Are transitioning down from PHP or residential care and need continued support
Have struggled with traditional outpatient therapy and need more structure
Are ready to commit to recovery and can attend sessions consistently
Conditions We Treat
If you are searching for expert eating disorder treatment in Tempe, Arizona, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides the crucial support you need without interrupting your daily life. Located conveniently for residents across the Phoenix Metro area and surrounding communities like Mesa and Chandler, our program specializes in treating all primary feeding and eating disorders.
Our compassionate and local team is dedicated to providing evidence-based outpatient eating disorder care in Tempe, AZ for the following conditions
Anorexia Nervosa
We deliver specialized care for individuals with medically stable Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa at our Tempe IOP. Treatment focuses on establishing and sustaining healthy nutritional patterns, overcoming the intense fear of gaining weight, and addressing the restrictive or compensatory behaviors often seen in both the restricting and binge-purge subtypes.
Bulimia Nervosa
Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Tempe, Arizona offers a structured environment to effectively interrupt the cycle of binge eating and subsequent purging behaviors characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa. We provide the essential therapeutic and nutritional support to foster self-regulation and build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food.
Binge Eating Disorder
If you are struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), our Tempe-based IOP provides a flexible path to recovery. We utilize proven cognitive and behavioral techniques to address the feelings of a loss of control around eating and reduce the frequency and distress of bingeing episodes.
ARFID
For individuals experiencing significant food restriction due to sensory sensitivity, lack of appetite, or a fear of negative consequences (like choking or vomiting), our ARFID specialists in Tempe offer compassionate exposure work and nutritional support to safely broaden food variety and meet nutritional needs.
OSFED
We ensure that all individuals seeking specialized help for eating disorders receive it, even if their symptoms do not meet the full criteria for other diagnoses. Our OSFED treatment covers conditions like Purging Disorder and Night Eating Syndrome, providing personalized, high-quality care right here in the Tempe community.
Co-occurring Conditions
Eating disorders rarely stand alone. As an experienced eating disorder treatment center in Arizona, our IOP integrates care for frequently co-occurring conditions, including:
- Anxiety and Depression
- PTSD and Trauma
- Substance Use Disorders
What to Expect in Our Eating Disorder IOP
Our comprehensive IOP combines multiple evidence-based therapies to address all aspects of eating disorder recovery:
Group Therapy
Connect with others who understand your struggles. Our therapeutic groups focus on:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Body image work
- Relapse prevention
- Social skills building
Individual Therapy
Work one-on-one with your dedicated therapist to:
- Address underlying trauma
- Develop personalized coping strategies
- Set and achieve recovery goals
- Process emotions safely
Nutritional Counseling
Our registered dietitians provide:
- Individualized meal planning
- Nutrition education
- Guided meal experiences
- Support for normalized eating
- Intuitive eating principles
Medical Monitoring
Stay medically safe throughout treatment with:
- Regular vital sign checks
- Coordination with medical providers
- Medication management referrals
- Ongoing medical assessments
Family Involvement
Healing happens in community. We offer:
- Family therapy sessions
- Caregiver education and support
- Communication skills training
- Family treatment planning
Evidence-Based Approaches
We use proven therapeutic methods:
- CBT for eating disorders
- DBT skills training
- ACT (Acceptance & Commitment)
- Trauma-informed care
- Motivational interviewing
Recovery Reflections at Synergy Mental Health & Wellness ED IOP
As we reach the six-month mark since launching our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), we want to take a moment to reflect on the growth, progress, and healing that has already begun to take root within our community by sharing our patient testimonials.
Through a combination of evidence-based therapies, nutrition counseling, meal support, and a compassionate team approach, we’ve seen incredible resilience emerge — even in the face of one of life’s most complex challenges.
“Synergy’s ED IOP combines therapy, education, and hands-on experience in a way that makes healing feel possible. I now approach eating and body image with confidence, compassion, and resilience- and I wish everyone had access to this kind of care.”
“The ED IOP Program at Synergy has truly changed my life. It helped me heal my relationship with food and my body in ways I never imagined possible. As a woman of color, I was treated with such respect. My voice was heard, and my lived experiences were honored and amplified.”
“This program didn’t just help me recover from an eating disorder- it helped me build a whole new relationship with food, grounded in intuitive eating, mindfulness, and self-trust. The fears I once had around food are completely gone.”
The journey of recovery is never linear, but each shared meal, each honest conversation, and each small act of self-compassion is a step forward. We’re deeply grateful to our clients, families, and dedicated staff for helping to shape this community into a place of true healing.
Why Choose SMHWI for Eating Disorder Treatment in Tempe?
Specialized Expertise
Our multidisciplinary team specializes exclusively in eating disorder treatment with years of experience and evidence-based training.
Compassionate Care
You are more than your eating disorder. We treat the whole person, addressing co-occurring conditions, trauma, and life stressors.
Real-World Recovery
IOP allows you to practice recovery skills in your everyday environment, leading to more sustainable, long-term recovery.
Evidence-Based Treatment
We use proven therapeutic approaches: CBT, DBT, ACT, family-based principles, and trauma-informed care.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Tempe, easily accessible from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, and the East Valley. Free parking available.
Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance providers and will handle verification and authorization on your behalf.
IOP Treatment by the Numbers
How Our Intensive Outpatient Program Works
9:00am – Check-In & Community Meeting
Start your day connecting with peers and setting intentions for the session.
9:30am – Group Therapy
Participate in evidence-based group therapy focusing on CBT, DBT skills, or process-oriented work.
10:45am – Break & Mindfulness Practice
Take time to reset with guided meditation or gentle movement.
11:00am – Therapeutic Meal or Nutrition Group
Practice recovery skills during a supported meal experience, or attend nutrition education with our dietitian.
12:00pm – Closing Group or Individual Session
Reflect on the morning’s work, process emotions, or meet individually with your therapist.
12:30pm – Departure
Return to your day with new skills and renewed commitment to recovery.
How to Get Started with Eating Disorder IOP in Tempe
Starting treatment can feel overwhelming. We’ve made the process as simple as possible:
Contact Us
Call us or complete our confidential contact form. Our compassionate admissions team is here to answer your questions.
Free Assessment
Schedule a no-cost clinical assessment to determine if IOP is right for you.
Insurance Verification
We’ll contact your insurance provider to verify coverage and explain your benefits.
Begin Treatment
Meet your treatment team and begin your personalized recovery journey.
Insurance & Payment Options for Eating Disorder Treatment
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans:
Aetna
Humana
Don’t See Your Plan? We may still work with your provider. Contact us for a free insurance verification.
Our admissions team will work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
FAQs about Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at SMHWI
Finding effective help is the most important step. As a trusted provider of eating disorder treatment in Tempe, Arizona, we want to ensure you have clear information about your care. This section answers frequently asked questions about our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), including the specific conditions we treat (like Anorexia, Bulimia, and BED) and how to start your recovery journey in the Phoenix Metro area.
How long does eating disorder IOP last?
Our program is a 12-week structured treatment. However, treatment length can be adjusted based on your individual progress and needs.
What's the difference between IOP and PHP?
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) typically runs 5-6 days per week for 6+ hours daily, while IOP is 3 days per week for 3.5 hours. IOP offers more flexibility for those balancing work, school, or family commitments.
Can I work while in IOP?
Yes! Our Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning schedule is designed to allow you to maintain employment, attend school, or fulfill family responsibilities.
Will my family be involved?
Family involvement is encouraged when appropriate. We offer family therapy sessions and caregiver education to support your entire system.
What happens after IOP?
We provide comprehensive aftercare planning, including referrals to outpatient therapists, dietitians, and support groups to maintain your recovery progress.
Is eating disorder IOP covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans cover intensive outpatient treatment for eating disorders. Our team will verify your specific benefits.
Serving Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale & the East Valley
SMHWI’s eating disorder IOP is conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona, and serves patients throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area including:`
Tempe
Scottsdale
Gilbert
Take the First Step Toward Eating Disorder Recovery Today
You don’t have to face your eating disorder alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.
Recovery is possible. It starts with one phone call.
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm MST
